Three Years After #EndSARS: Calls for justice remain unanswered as Police brutality persists

In October 2020, the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a somber glow over the bustling streets of major cities in Nigeria, especially Lagos State. Amidst the passionate throngs of youth protesting for police reform during the #EndSARS movement, one figure stood out—Olusegun [name changed], a 23-year-old student with dreams as vast as the open sky. 

Driven by a relentless desire for change and justice, he joined thousands of Nigerian youth on the streets joining his melding voice with the fervent chorus of the demonstrators—as it was about to get darker, a sudden burst of gunfire cut through the air, tragically claiming Olusegun life and others. 

The victims, including Olusegun, had a family whose world had seen them be shattered into a million pieces. These families of aging parents expected justice since the carrier of their burden who was determined to pave a better path for them was brutally killed. 

As the days turned into weeks, months, and finally three years, the memory of Olusegun and others who lost their life at Tollgate still left an indelible mark on the hearts of Nigerians. 

The #EndSARS protest left an indelible mark on Nigeria, with impassioned youth leading widespread outrage and demonstrations, driven by a deep sense of systemic injustice, demanding the dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

ALSO READ: The Nigerian Government’s failures during the EndSARS protests

In 1992, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was formed to combat crimes associated with robbery, motor vehicle theft, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and firearms but the reverse is the case for SARS who delved into robbery and killing of young promising Nigerians. 

According to Amnesty International, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is responsible for hundreds of extrajudicial executions, other unlawful killings, and enforced disappearances each year. 

Police brutality has not only inflicted deep wounds on the youth, but also fostered fear, mistrust, and disillusionment within the system. 

In the same vein, #EndSARS also created a profound sense of vulnerability, undermining the trust that the youth place in law enforcement and the government.

No Justice for the innocent souls lost 

News Round The Clock (NRTC) learned that three years after peaceful #EndSARS protests ended the lives of youth at Lekki toll gate and Alausa in Lagos, no one has been brought to book for the killings of peaceful protesters at Tollgate and other parts of the country. 

ALSO READ: Why FG is against #EndSARS panels – Adegboruwa

Many protesters arrested unlawfully are still in prisons waiting for justice, and according to Amnesty International, the panels set up to investigate police impunity failed to deliver justice to hundreds of victims of police brutality. 

NRTC gathered that despite the passage of time, the victims of the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria get no justice, amplifying the sense of frustration and distrust within the community. Their unresolved grievances represent a larger struggle for accountability and transparency, underscoring the urgent need for concrete steps to address their demands and ensure that justice is served.

Also, the disabilities victims have been marginalized, as their voices have gone unheard in the pursuit of justice. 

The quest for justice for innocent lives lost during the protests remains a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by Nigerian youth—despite the difficulties, the future for Nigeria’s youth holds the potential for transformative change, provided there is sustained commitment from the government and society at large to address systemic issues and prioritize the well-being and aspirations of the younger generation.

Police brutality continues

Despite government authorities disbanding the Special Anti-Robbery Squad and launching investigations into SARS abuses, NRTC learned that Police brutality is still on crescendo, as many extrajudicial killings have been reported. Most of these killings according to the report are youth assumed to be Yahoo boys because of their clothes, cars, and accessories. 

ALSO READ: #EndSARS: Port Harcourt residents recount heinous encounter with police operatives on social media

Due to fears of persecution and harassment, numerous Nigerians, particularly young people, have chosen to move abroad. This decision stems from the perception that law enforcement agencies often label them as criminals merely for dressing well and driving luxury cars, among other things.

In response to numerous appeals from Nigerians, notably celebrities, to put an end to police brutality and unwarranted harassment, the government has yet to fully embrace the youth’s vision for a comprehensive overhaul and training within the Police force.

NRTC gathered that the stories of this brutality had lowered the reputation of Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy among its peers. 

Nigeria, estimated to have 200 million citizens, has two-thirds of people as youth, which has necessitated the collective outcry that highlights the significance of safeguarding human rights and ensuring a fair and just society for all citizens. 

As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, the imperative for constructive dialogue and tangible action remains paramount in addressing Police brutality.